As first responders firefighters put themselves in dangerous situations in order to save others. This risk can lead to physical injuries, as well as mental harm, known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There have been significant advancements in the field of PTSD care. Each case of PTSD is unique, and treatment should be tailored to the individual.

Firefighting is a serious and dangerous job that comes with its own unique set of baggage and consequences. Much like how war veterans and deployed military men and women can develop post traumatic stress disorder, so can firefighters.
PTSD is a serious condition that can dramatically change the person that you know into someone completely different.

You may have heard of Carbon Monoxide - a deadly gas that is virtually undetectable. It sounds like something straight out of a comic book but unfortunately, it’s very real. And if inhaled for extended periods of time, it can result in Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
The effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are serious and according to the CDC, result in hundreds of death each year.

For a while now, you have fought to keep the City from annexing your land. You have watched as they blatantly ignored your requests to be left alone. Some of you have expressed how you feel beaten; you are ready to give up.
Our advice is do not throw in the towel just yet.
The City has decided they do not want to provide some core services that they do to the rest of the City.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - It doesn't take an expert to tell you traffic near Highway 281 and Loop 1604 is bad. But, what if that expert told you because of bad traffic, they couldn't get you to the hospital fast enough?
You'd probably take a second listen.

Before you purchase a live Christmas tree, we have a few safety tips to keep in mind as you pick, place, and light the tree.
Nearly one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Anyone who has ever hosted a Thanksgiving dinner can tell you: the struggle is in the supper. As you work wonders to put a delicious bird on the table and dish the sides to spec, the last thing you need is a kitchen fire or any other drama on the big day.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for making memories in the kitchen. So how can you make sure your children, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren are safe while spending time with you?
Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association on how you can keep those little hands busy and safe while helping you out in the kitchen.

Need something to keep the kids entertained while you're getting dinner ready this Thanksgiving or Christmas?
We have a few coloring activities you can download from the National Fire Protection Association. All you need to do is click or tap or the link to open the PDF file, then print it at your home computer.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Following the death of a fellow union member's daughter, the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association wants to extend its condolences and support for her.
The woman, a local teacher who has not been identified by the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, lost her daughter to a disturbing act of domestic violence.

With cooler overnight temperatures headed to San Antonio, you may be pulling out the space heater soon!
The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association wants to make sure you're not only warm and cozy in your home, but also safe.

SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 3, 2016) — As a result of the recent terminations of several fire cadets, in October 2016, City Manager Sheryl Sculley called for a complete review of the due process and regulations for probationary employees and fire and police cadets.

Change Your Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries for Daylight Saving Time
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoking alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). San Antonio firefighters remind you to not only change your clock for Daylight Saving Time but the batteries in your smoke alarms, too.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is proud to support "A Night In Haiti" on Nov. 6, 2016, to support victims of Hurricane Matthew with a screening of the Grace and Mercy documentary, Haitian hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Here in San Antonio, we sure do celebrate Halloween right! We want to make sure your little ghouls, ghosts, or Elsa from Frozen (ha!) have a spooky -- but safe night!
Halloween is a fun, and spooky, time of year for kids. Make trick-or-treating safe for your little monsters with a few easy safety tips:
When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric.

"Since the day I arrived in San Antonio, I have had an open door policy with all of my members both sworn and civilian."
-Chief Charles Hood, as told to Firehouse.com in April 2012
You may have heard your boss or supervisor use the term "open door policy" at one point or another.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Only 1 in 5 parents regularly practice fire escape plans at home, and only half of parents report that their children know what to do in the event of a fire. Yet, home fires are the biggest disaster threat facing American families today, with nine in 10 structure fires occurring in the home and more than eight in 10 fire-related deaths resulting from home fires.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is kicking off National Fire Prevention Month Friday and National Fire Prevention Week beginning Monday, Oct. 9.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed since 1922. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is alerting the public Thursday about a scam involving callers posing as a firefighter charity.
Over the past few weeks, people have alerted SAPFFA that someone had called them on behalf of the "Firefighter Support Foundation," asking for money.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is once again holding its annual breast cancer awareness T-shirt sale through the month of October. The proceeds raised will benefit Susan G. Komen San Antonio.

On Aug. 18, 2016, six San Antonio Fire Academy cadets from the 2016 Bravo class were terminated from their positions, following accusations they were found drinking in uniform while on duty. They were 15 weeks into their training.
In one day, their lifelong dreams were ripped from them.

Can you believe it's already October? We're just a month away from the Election and in just a few weeks, early voting will begin.
So, how do you make sure you're registered and your vote counts? Here's what you will need to do if you plan to vote in Bexar County in the joint general, special, and bond election on Nov. 8.
1.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is excited and proud to support the San Antonio Benevolent Fund through the inaugural Hero Fest 2016 event and 5k/10k on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016.
The idea behind Hero Fest 2016 is that everyone needs a hero, but the heroes need heroes, too, especially when it comes to their fight against cancer.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Fernando Cathedral is inviting all law enforcement, public safety officers, and members of the community for the annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, recognizing those who put their lives on the line for others every day.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Chris Steele
President, SAPFFA
Contact: 210-692-4614 | piolocal624@gmail.com
Sept. 21, 2016
SAN ANTONIO, TX - A Wisconsin Fire Chief is objecting Wednesday after hearing a letter he wrote to the San Antonio Fire Chief regarding the termination of his son and five other cadets is now being used to justify those actions.
In Aug.

A reflection of 9/11 from San Antonio Firefighter Richard Baring, Station 51, as told to the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association
Every year, for the last 15 years, people in the United States ask a question.
Where were you on September 11, 2001?
The responses are varied, of course, depending on where you were living and how old you were.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The organizers of Hero Fest 2016 are inviting you out on Thursday, Sept. 15, for a special concert supporting the San Antonio Food Bank.
The FREE concert at the County Line Bar-B-Q will feature Roger Creager. Donations will be given to the San Antonio Food Bank. While you're there, you can learn more about the 2016 Inaugural Hero Fest coming up on Oct. 9.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The Texas A&M University-San Antonio is hosting a 9/11 Retrospective: 15 Years Later on Sunday, Sept. 11. District 118 Representative John Lujan will be at the event, which will include a 9/11 Survivor Tree Dedication and Planting Ceremony and exhibit featuring artifacts from Ground Zero and other items. Five survivor families from New York will be present.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Steele, President of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association Local 624, (210) 699-9400
City annexation plans violate state law, will place citizens in danger
SAN ANTONIO, TX - San Antonio City Council members voted Thursday to annex certain portions of Bexar County.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The inaugural Woody Woodcock Memorial Fishing Tournament “Reel’n for Woody” will be on Thursday, Oct. 13. Woody used to run the SAFD Fall Fishing Tournament and this year, we will be carrying on the tradition and honoring his memory.

Image Credit: Jason Eggleston, KENS 5 News
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Two of the six cadets who were recently terminated from the 2016 Bravo class of the San Antonio Fire Academy were interviewed by the KENS 5 News I-Team Tuesday.

“I think they are quality young men. We hired them.”
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood, Aug. 25, 2016
When San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood addressed the media Thursday in response to the firing of six cadets of the 2016 Bravo class he stated he wasn’t “judging the persons.”
Perhaps he should have.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 624 is discouraged to hear six committed and earnest cadets of the 2016 Bravo Class of the San Antonio Fire Academy have been dismissed from what would have been a fulfilling and promising career.

BATON ROUGE, LA - The Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana is seeking help for its members who have been impacted by severe flooding in recent weeks. They are now asking fellow firefighters to assist the cleanup effort for firefighters' homes that have been seriously damaged.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - A series of five community meetings in San Antonio will allow citizens to participate and offer feedback on the Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Budget.
If you would like to ask questions or offer feedback, visit one of the following community meetings beginning Monday, Aug. 22 and ending Thursday, Sept. 1.
Monday, Aug. 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley released the details of the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget Thursday, which include purchasing cancer prevention equipment including diesel exhaust removal systems for 46 fire stations and a second set of firefighting gear for 1,200 firefighters.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 19, San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 624 leaders will be in Las Vegas at the 53rd annual International Association of Fire Fighters convention.

A tire disposal facility on San Antonio’s Southside has been closed for years, but millions of tires remain on the site, posing a serious public safety and health risk each day. A town hall meeting Monday aims to address those dangers and pose strategies for getting the site cleared.

We are filled with nothing but solidarity for our fellow first responders, and have a profound respect for their work. We are a FAMILY. We stand by our brothers and sisters in blue. Our thoughts and prayers go out to DPD, DART Police, and DFR (Dallas Fire-Rescue). One team. RIP Brothers, we'll take it from here.

When it comes to the news, it's always important to gain as many perspectives as possible. In a recent Express News article, Rebecca Waldman (a previous member of the City's Benefits Task Force) certainly provided her unique perspective on collective bargaining agreements.

THE HIGH-PRICED, HIGH-POWERED CITY ATTORNEYS LOSE FOR THE 3RD TIME.
The City’s attempt to stop or abate the Firefighters' cross action was denied. Firefighters want the public to hear and know the truth. Why doesn't Sheryl Sculley or Ivy Taylor want to speak to the issues UNDER OATH.

This is a good article from Gilbert Garcia of the San Antonio Express News(click here for the story). Gilbert writes "During Taylor’s first 51/2 years on the council — including her first three months as mayor — she received a single $300 contribution from the Dawson family.

Is It Time To Arm Firefighters and EMS Providers?
Written by Michael Morse
Flickr
My peers in EMS tend to believe that today’s world is more dangerous, more violent, and harder than any time in history.
Social media is abuzz with reports of shootings, bombings, assaults on EMTs, firefighters, and the police.

Article by Billy Galvin originally posted on uniformstories.com.
You may have married a firefighter, raised a firefighter, or lived with a firefighter. You, of course, feel like you know him or her pretty damn well. That may be true, but I'm here to tell you that there are a few things that you can't possibly understand.
1) We need sleep.

San Antonio Firefighters and Police Officers are family. A family that puts their lives on the line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect your family. Even now, with the unprecedented surge in domestic terrorism at an all time high...we will be there to protect our precious city.

San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association Local624 is happy to report that we and our brothers and sisters at SAPOA won the City's Evergreen lawsuit against us.
This is a great victory for both associations, and we look forward to winning at the 4th Court of Appeals if the City chooses to continue to waste the taxpayers' money.

"Trick or Treat!"
These are three little words that lots of children look forward to howling on Halloween night. Their main focus is wearing their costumes and collecting their treats.
As a parent, however, their safety is your number one priority. Here are 10 safety tips that will ensure that your kids' return from trick or treating safe and sound.
1.

For many young adults, college represents the first opportunity to live independently. And while this can be an exciting experience, campus housing also includes unique fire hazards that students need to be aware of.
Here are some suggestions to stay safe while living in the dorms.
Hear that Sound?
Be aware of the smoke alarms provided in your residence.

San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association awards the Medal of Valor to two local624 members at the 9/11 Recognition Ceremony.
The Wedgwood Senior Living apartments located at 6701 Blanco Road was built in 1965. It is an 11 story building with over 700 residents who are over the age of 55.

The Giving Spot. A coffee shop…and yet so much more.
It is difficult to understand what The Giving Spot is without knowing the story behind its genesis. For five years, my wife and I have been traveling to Haiti, immersing ourselves in the eclectic culture.

On July 24th, 2015 San Antonio Professional Firefighters from Fire Station 29 rescue a man from threating to jump off a highway overpass.
The following is an account from San Antonio Professional Firefighter, Benjamin Donahoe (FF E29-C).
"I was in the bay when a lady in her vehicle pulled onto the apron at station 29. She honked at me and pointed to the overpass of Hot Wells and I-37.

Kitchen fires are one of the most common, dangerous and potentially deadly types of fires - largely because many people don't know how to deal with them.
They can almost instantly spread to other flammable objects nearby, such as walls, towels, utensils and even clothing.

Letter to the Editor from San Antonio Professional Firefighters President Chris Steele
COMMENTARY - City Should Stop Negotiating Via Attack
Chris Steele, For the Express-News
July 6, 2015
Original Express News article can be found here.
As president of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, or SAPFFA, I expect to be challenged and put to the test.

On the night of April 30, a fire erupted at a house on Lighthouse Cove in the vicinity of Port Victoria. The crew arrived at the scene to find the home engulfed in flames. The team quickly prepped to face the challenge that lay ahead, while heavy smoke and massive flames poured out the windows.
The team then proceeded to put out the fire.

Yesterday, Sheryl Sculley, through her usual mouthpiece on the local paper, attempted yet again to undermine the collective bargaining process between her and the San Antonio firefighters.
This time, the tactic adopted by the City Manager was to attack me personally.

Nightclubs and bars are almost always dark, crowded, and full of noise with everyone drinking alcohol. We all remember the dreaded incident of the Kiss nightclub in Southern Brazil that claimed the lives of over 231 people in early 2013 on January 27th.
The main reason for the eruption of fire in Kiss Nightclub was the profound lack of appropriate securitymeasures.

Of the amount of importance we give to fire safety in different areas, perhaps the most crucial area is in our home and in our schools. Moreover, we need to give our kids proper training to react in case of a fire emergency in both these locations because most of their time is spent in either of two locations.

A fire breaking out in a high-rise building brings its own set of difficult challenges. In order for the firefighters to succeed, the first team at the scene must take the situation under control, even if the fire is getting out of hand.

Fire safety training should be a crucial part of every organization; and due to American laws, most high profile organizations and establishments adhere to the strict fire safety codes enforced upon them. In this day and age, we live in a fire-hazard environment, from electrical cables and gas pipelines running in the walls to the machines we use on a daily basis.

Putting one’s life of on the line on a daily basis is without a doubt the toughest job one can have. Having the resolve to get out of bed every morning with the mindset that you might be jumping into roaring flames takes heroism.

Sleeping disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, shift-work disorders, as well as restless leg syndromes are becoming increasingly common amongst firefighters. New research shows that firefighters with prevailing sleep disorders are likely to be prone to other more chronic health symptoms and conditions, conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Thanks to all the great citizens of San Antonio for their comments and feedback on our endorsement. The firefighters love and respect each and every one of you. Your reasons for voting for a particular candidate are always important. Because we receive a lot of questions related to our endorsement, we have added this Q&A section to help answer those questions and concerns.

The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters is recognizing military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country with honor and courage.
On this Memorial Day, the IAFF asks its members and supporters to take time to remember those in the Armed Forces who have died serving their country.

The key to fire prevention measures is the installment of fire alarms in and around your home. What’s even more crucial is ensuring that they are functioning properly regularly. If a fire does erupt in a certain area of the home, the only thing that’s protecting those inside is the alarm going off.

The SAPFFA announces our endorsement of Leticia Van De Putte. Leticia is a strong leader (which is much needed in San Antonio right now), she has great credibility, and she will make sure the great citizens of San Antonio are safe in their homes and on the streets (which is something that should never be taken for granted).

As kids, we’re all inclined towards living on the edge. Most of us, at one point or another during our childhood, play with fire. Some of us end up hurting ourselves in the process, and, subsequently, we develop an aversion to fire and heat that makes us avoid it subconsciously.

In the event of a fire outbreak, knowing the common hazards firefighters face on a daily basis can not only save lives, but also prevent any health complications that can occur as result from such exposure.
In this blog, we are going to discuss numerous firefighter hazards our local heroes face on a regular basis.

There may be more than 300,000 professional firefighters in the U.S., but they all have one thing in common; they all think alike. Each and every one of them is dedicated to serving humanity with integrity and honesty. They are daring, heroic, brave, and not afraid to put their lives at risk to save others.

Firefighters unquestionably have one of the most risky jobs in the world. They fulfill the requirements of their job of rescuing people and protecting properties in the most dangerous situations. They halt danger that may be caused by fires that put the lives of many people at risk and end in destroying properties.

Firefighters are our society’s unsung heroes. They are the people who risk their lives in order to make sure that others are safe. Most people assume that a firefighter’s job only includes fighting fires. While it may sound easy to some, it is not easy and nor do firefighters only fight fires.

Firefighting is not just another job. Becoming a firefighter needs dedication, commitment, hard work, patience, and motivation. It can be a long and hectic process which can sometimes seem quite insurmountable. With the right amount of patience, a caring heart, and a motivation to attain your goal one can develop a rewarding career in the fire department.

Did you know that a house fire can double its size every 17 seconds? Fire feeds on oxygen. And availability of air can spread fire faster and do more damage to your home. Each year, about 13,000 people become victims to structural fire. Most Americans get killed by home fires every year than in all natural calamities combined.

What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an extremely toxic gas that is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. It is formed during the process of partial fossil fuel combustion. Shortages of oxygen for the formation of carbon dioxide result in the formation of carbon monoxide instead.

Home fires can wreak havoc. A small fire can grow into huge flames in a matter of seconds and become life threatening. Each year more than 2,500 people die in the US and property loss is estimated at $7.3 billion.
To minimize the risk of home fires and to ensure you escape this situation successfully, a proper fire escape plan is imperative.

Fires can be very destructive, not just for human life, but for businesses and homes, too. If recent statistics are to be believed, as much as 72% of fire-related deaths and injuries arise from homes. Sleeping with a burning cigarette in hand, leaving burning candles unattended, and disposing waste near open flames are some of the most common causes of a fire break out.

It is essential to teach kids how they can prevent a fire breakout and how they should behave in a situation where fire is involved. Knowing the fire safety rules in and out helps children to proactively tackle dangerous situations. If statistics are to be believed, the last few years have seen millions of fire-related deaths, with a substantial percentage being children.

Nathan Alonzo
For
State Representative District 124
Nathan Alonzo is a San Antonio native born March 15, 1962. He lived just outside of downtown with his parents and three other siblings. His father worked full time as a San Antonio Fire fighter and took on a second job as an electrician to help support his family.

Fire can pose immense dangers and risks for businesses and the human resource employed. Not only can it destroy and devastate buildings, equipment, and stock, but it can also seriously injure the employees and visitors present at the workplace.

Injuries resulting from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, and fire are categorized as burns. Fire burns are one of the most common and deadliest injuries. Statistics show that every year around 6,000 people get hospitalized in the U.S. as a result of fire burns. Moreover, around 60,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms for burn related injuries.

If statistics are to be believed, 85% of all U.S fire-related deaths have occurred in homes; out of which, 37% happened in homes where there were no smoke alarms installed. Therefore, it is extremely important to be well-prepared in case of fire in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Why Are Smoke Alarms Important.

Inception of Firefighting
Firefighting in the modern sense traces its origins back to those days when Ancient Rome had a fire department that consisted of 7,000 paid firefighters. This was the 1st century A.D to be exact.

View in Browser
Keep Your Community Safe:
Change Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries Sunday, March 8
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2015 - promote public safety by reminding members of your community to also change smoke alarm batteries.

While traditional firefighting was more about extinguishing fires, firefighters today have taken up a bigger role. Firefighters are high-skilled men or women who work to combat fire. They not only take measures to prevent fire, but also act as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and investigate the causes of fire.

Firefighting Yesterday
Since the 1600s till now, firefighting has come a long way. From the time when men gained knowledge of how to start a fire, fire-related accidents have been taking place time and again. Overtime, we have been able to establish agencies, forces and groups to coup fire, fire-related accidents and injuries.

While we all enjoy using the electrical energy that is delivered to our homes and which powers our lights, appliances, radios, televisions, computers and video games, we usually don't give it much thought unless it stops working. Unfortunately, as convenient as electricity is, it can also be deadly when things go awry.

http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2015/02/12/legal-fees-for-city--public-safety-negotiations-tops--700k.html
SAN ANTONIO - Ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the city and police union have cost taxpayers nearly $750,000.
According to the most recent information available on the city's finance department website, the city has paid at least $746,729.

http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/SanAntonioExpressNews/SharedArticle.aspx?href=SAEN%2F2015%2F02%2F11&id=Ar00201
When the board of the San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund approved a proposal last September that would allow the city to reduce its annual pension contribution by $4.3 million, board members were sure it would be greeted with enthusiasm by city staff.

ANOTHER VIEW
Villarreal’s recent column missing facts
by Nathan Alonzo
Nathan Alonzo: Mayoral hopeful Mike Villarreal is wrong about public safety benefits.
Local 624 President Chris Steele, other members of the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association and I recently met with former state Rep.